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There’s something satisfying about completing a task you’ve been putting off. Whether it’s organizing your home, finishing a project, or managing your finances, checking off what’s on your to-do list can leave you feeling accomplished and unstoppable.
But, in a fast-paced world with endless demands, even getting the little things done can feel challenging. However, one science-backed hack — “dopamine anchoring” — is the key to turning tasks into enjoyable rituals, according to Glamour.
What is Dopamine Anchoring?
While it can be difficult to find the willpower to complete every task, the method is a clever way to push yourself into action. Claire Thompson, a psychotherapist, life coach, and hypnotherapist tells Glamour that dopamine anchoring is about connecting something you love with a task you usually resist. It’s all about “activating the brain’s dopamine system to make habits feel more enjoyable, rather than forced,” she adds.
It’s effective “because dopamine is a feel-good chemical that reinforces behaviors,” Tam Kaur, a self-help author, explains. “When you consistently reward a difficult habit with something enjoyable, over time your brain starts to link the two. It’s like giving yourself a psychological high-five for doing something hard,” Kaur adds.
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How to Use This Hack in Your Life
Looking to try this technique? Examples of the hack include lighting incense while journaling your thoughts, playing calming music as you wind down at night, getting through chores with a track you enjoy listening to in the background, walking without a phone to find peace of mind, and scheduling your favorite way to stretch — whether it’s through yoga or pilates for when you complete your tasks.
So what’s the beauty behind the hack? “Going for a run each morning may seem hard, but invite your friends to join and have breakfast together afterward ― eventually, your brain links exercise with the post-workout high and social connection. Similarly, tackling tough tasks in a beautiful setting like your favorite cafe, with your go-to playlist or a comforting scent, helps your brain associate effort with pleasure,” Avery Morgan, a productivity expert, tells HuffPost.
A Powerful Tool in a World of Distractions
Dopamine anchoring offers big benefits for those who don’t work in the office. “This is huge for remote workers, especially because you miss out on a lot of the natural social energy that keeps you motivated in an office.”
It’s also particularly helpful for those with ADHD or people who struggle with procrastination. It works by creating a reward system that makes work feel less like work. “Dopamine anchoring can be a powerful tool in a world full of distractions and dwindling attention spans,” Lauren Mastroni, a career expert at CV Genius, says. It helps improve motivation by making it easier to tackle tasks that are put off.
Thanks to this hack, your next check-off on your to-do list is just one podcast, playlist, or cozy cafe away. Who knew getting things done could be this much fun?
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